Head of Audit, Technology and Change

Irish Life; Potters Bar; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services company is seeking a Head of Audit, Technology and Change. This role involves leading audit teams, providing strategic direction, and managing stakeholder relationships. The ideal candidate will have a strong audit and technology background, leadership experience, and excellent communication skills. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous pension scheme

Private medical insurance

Bonus scheme

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience leading a team and coaching staff.
• Ability to communicate complex topics effectively.
• Track record of implementing change in complex organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and guidance to audit colleagues.
• Support in developing and delivering the audit plan.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership skills

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Effective communication

Technology knowledge

Education

Audit qualification

CISSP-ISSAP or CISA certification

PMP (Project Management Professional)

Job description

Overview

Location: Hertfordshire or London Office.

Both Canada Life UK (CLUK) and the Internal Audit function have gone through considerable change over the last 2 years. We are looking for someone to join the Internal Audit leadership team as Head of Audit, Technology and Change who can bring the attributes of strategic awareness, leadership, accountability and critical thinking.

As a leader you are accountable for providing guidance, coaching, and thought leadership across the team as well as supporting the Chief Internal Auditor in developing and delivering the audit plan, ensuring effective coverage of key risks and change projects.

Additionally, you will need a track record of building excellent stakeholder relationship skills with an ability to communicate across all levels of Canada Life with clarity, engagement and confidence.

As the third line of defence, Internal Audit is responsible for supporting CLUK’s business in delivering its strategy through the provision of assurance and consultancy. This is particularly relevant in a fast paced and changing business and environment, with the ability to adapt to change and take people with you being essential.

What You'll Do

1. Provide people leadership through managing, coaching and mentoring audit colleagues as they deliver the audit plan.
2. Provide thought leadership around technology and change audit delivery including innovation of audit approaches to improve quality and speed of audit delivery.
3. Support the CIA in the risk assessment and planning process ensuring effective coverage across key CLUK technology risks and change projects. Proposing plan changes to respond to changes in the risk profile and business assurance needs.
4. Proactively assess and communicate current state of risks and controls in technical areas such as zero trust (IAM), cloud risk, data security, software security, vulnerability management, supply chain security, cyber risk, analytics, breach handling and investigations, and security testing.
5. Reviewing audit engagements ensuring delivery is to the required quality and efficiency standards as set by global IA methodology and local regulators.
6. Managing relationships with key stakeholders both during individual audit engagements and on a day-to-day basis as well as representing the CLUK Internal Audit team at meetings with the Global internal Audit Function and CLUK management.
7. To support the CIA in the preparation of quarterly Audit Committee and Executive Committee reports, in particular providing the CLUK technology opinion, and deputise for CIA at governance committees and meetings, as necessary.
8. To support the Chief Internal Auditor in the preparation, oversight and delivery of the annual ICOFR technology testing requirements.

What You'll Bring To The Role

• Experience leading a team, including coaching / developing staff and reviewing the quality of work produced by team members
• Strong interpersonal, communication and team skills; ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of management and staff
• Demonstrated experience implementing and driving change in complex organisational structures
• Ability to analyse, articulate and communicate complex topics effectively, to make informed decisions about appropriate corrective actions and convince others to act
• Strategic awareness including an understanding of the key strategic options available to the business.
• Strong technology and/or change knowledge and experience.

Qualifications

• Certified in one of the following: CISSP-ISSAP, CISA, SANS, CRISC
• PMP (Project Management Professional) certificate are preferred
• A recognised audit qualification

Benefits of working at Canada Life

We believe in recognising and rewarding our people, so we offer a competitive salary and benefits package that’s regularly reviewed. As a Canada Life UK colleague, you’ll receive a competitive salary and comprehensive reward package including a generous pension and bonus scheme, along with, income protection, private medical insurance and life assurance. We have a fantastic number of other benefits and support services as well as regular personal and professional development.

How we work at Canada Life

Our culture is unique and incredibly important to us. We care about doing the right thing for our people, customers and community and helping others to build better futures. Our blueprint behaviours shape and influence how we work, and are central to the relationships we have with others. Every day we are encouraged to be more curious, own the outcome, face into things together and find a way forward.

We want colleagues to have rewarding careers with us so we invest in the development of our people, technology and workplaces. That’s why we offer a range of training, flexible working and opportunities to grow and develop.

Diversity and inclusion

Building an inclusive workplace with a diverse workforce where everyone can feel they belong and achieve their potential regardless of gender, ethnicity or any other characteristic is a key commitment for us. We are proud of the progress we’re making in DEI, and we continue for it to be a significant focus.

“At Canada Life we believe in the power of great people from different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives coming together to build better futures. Emerging talent is crucial to our growth and creating an environment that continues to inspire us all.” Nick Harding, Chief People Officer, Canada Life UK

We appreciate that everyone has different work and life responsibilities. We’re happy to discuss flexible working arrangements, including part time, for any of our roles should this be a requirement for you.